Ian Emery
Corps Officer
Ian was commissioned as a Salvation Army Officer in 2003 and has since held multiple appointments leading churches in Scotland and England. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ian's church in Blackburn transitioned online, where he recognized the potential for a fully online church to reach new people in innovative ways with the message of Jesus. The Salvation Army UKI Territory shared his vision, leading to the creation of Plexus Corps, where Ian was appointed as its first Corps Officer.
He is a passionate musician, and plays multiple instruments, including brass, keyboard, and wind. In his spare time, he enjoys archery and is an enthusiastic recurve archer, primarily shooting target but occasionally trying his hand at clout. Ian claims his best skill in archery is coming up with creative excuses for his bad arrows.
He is single and shares his life with his dog, Zipzer, a black cockapoo. Continuing a family tradition, his dogs' names have all started with "Z".
Sam Ellison
Digital Community Mission Facilitator
"Blessed are those who can laugh at themselves, for they will never cease to be amused".
Sam tries not to take life too seriously, always looking for the fun and joy in all things. He loves being silly and cheeky with his daughter who brings out the most joy and the best in his family's lives. He will also struggle to continue write about himself in the 3rd person.
Co-host of Pulse Check In podcast and worshiper on Abide Worship. Love to chat about Star Wars, guitars, guitar pedals over a medium/light roasted, black coffee.
His favourite worship song right now is "Washed" by Elevation Rhythm. and he is surprisingly good at quoting random TV shows/films in conversations (mainly Friends).
The verse that keeps him grounded when life gets a bit wobbly is 1 John 3:1: "See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!".
God love is as unconditional (if not more) as his is for his daughter, it has no limits. So why worry about what the world says? What defines us is what the Father says about us and who He created us to be.
Samuel Taylor
Digital Community Mission Facilitator
Samuel joined the Plexus team towards the end of 2024 and has enjoyed the opportunity to creatively share the Good News of Jesus online! Prior to this role, he has spent over a decade in Youth and Worship ministry and while he has had many different passions in life, what has always remained central is the hope that the Church will be the hands and feet of Jesus in the world.
Alongside grand visions, he manages to temper his passion with a large dose of fun, spontaneity and adventure. Always on the look out for a good time with friends and family.
He's a lover of Arsenal football club, avid tennis player, loves a film franchise and always on the hunt for a good deal.
Neil Denyer
Associate Officer (Part Time)
Neil is a lifelong Salvationist, with SA roots going back to the 19th Century (Great Grandparents, not him). He became an Officer in 1990, spending 15 years running hostels across England, followed by 5 years in Germany running a Red Shield Club (working with the British Army soldiers and their families), and has more recently run various Corps in the Midlands and the North West. Ministry has been varied, and has included a number of interesting “short term” jobs including setting up Cold Weather Shelters and a period dedicated to wellbeing via Facebook.
Married to Rose, who recently retired as an SA Officer, he has two children, one in Margate and one in Rugby, who each have a small child, so Grandchildren are important.
Neil is very interested in Lego, IT and also military history combined with model making (don’t talk to him about German Panther tanks, or you’ll never get away!)
Gracie
Podcast Host
Co-Host of the Pulse Check In podcast, I am an actress and writer who has created and performed one-woman theatre shows around the UK. Alongside my work on stage, I’ve taught drama in primary schools, led youth and young adult theatre groups, and worked as a teaching assistant, using drama to engage and support children with additional needs. Recently, I’ve been studying Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia and am developing story and drama-based resources to help support those living with dementia.
I navigate life while facing mental health challenges most days. Although some days present a rougher terrain than others, I know I never walk alone. My faith sustains me through the toughest times and is a welcome companion in the joyful times.
I live in the beautiful town of Godalming, just outside Guildford, with my dog, Mr Collins — an accomplished actor and model in his own right. He considers cheese a high-value commodity and socks as treasure.